The development of Danish industry was influenced by limited conditions. The country lacks large coal deposits, gas and oil reserves, and also large rivers. Forests account for less than 10%. Nevertheless, the state economy is developing quite dynamically.
Briefly about Danish industry
It is based on agriculture, as well as significant reserves of limestone and clay. Of course, do not underestimate such a resource as highly skilled labor. Large and small enterprises operate mainly through the use of imported raw materials. In almost every city there is a factory that provides the population with jobs.
As for shipbuilding, until a certain period it was the dominant industry. However, due to the foreign conference, most of the shipyards were closed. But Denmark has successfully entered the international market as a manufacturer of cement and high-quality agricultural machinery.
At the moment, light industry is well developed in the country. Own forces cover the basic need of the population for sugar and textiles. The pharmaceutical industry is well developed. Attention is drawn to the chemical industry (rubber, varnishes, paints and so on), based on oilseeds imported from tropical regions.
Agriculture
One of Denmark's leading industries is agriculture. The government is actively working to expand economic land and improve their quality. Most of the sown area is occupied by fodder crops. More than half of the land is occupied by barley, which is intended for fattening pigs. Among other crops, the most common are rye and oats (in the center, in the west and in the north of Jutland), as well as wheat (in the fertile lands of the Danish islands and in the east of Jutland).
Meat and dairy products account for up to 90% of the value of agricultural products. In recent years, pig farming is gaining momentum, the feed base for which is waste from dairy production. Poultry farming focuses on egg production. Recently, broiler growing for export has expanded.
Shipbuilding
Denmark is one of the few countries in the world that is engaged in shipbuilding. The peak of production in this industry occurred in 1997. But the high production costs, as well as constantly increasing competition, have led to the fact that the scale of ship production has significantly decreased. At the moment, the main consumers of shipyard work results are inland shipping companies.
Today, shipyards specialize in the production of standard ships for the transportation of containers by cargo, as well as tanks with chemicals. Experimental work is also being carried out in the field of construction of transport ships, ferries (passenger and automobile), tugboats.
The annual turnover of the shipbuilding industry is about 11 billion kroons. This is approximately 3% of total trade in Denmark. The main problem for the development of the industry is the EU rules, which prohibit subsidizing shipbuilding. Nevertheless, there is covert support to the industry, which is expressed in orders for the repair of ships of the Navy.
Fishing
An important place in the Danish industry is given to fisheries. This is due to the advantageous location in relation to the places of production and marketing. In the North Sea, flounder, cod, shrimp and herring are caught, and trout is raised in lakes and rivers. On the last point, Denmark is one of the world leaders. Fishery products are exported mainly to Germany, Italy, the UK and Sweden.
It is worth noting that since the 1980s, severe pollution of the North Sea has been noted. This has led to a significant reduction in fish production. Only a third of the fish caught has nutritional value.
Forest industry
Describing the Danish forest industry, it is worth noting that 11% of the territory is occupied by forests, more than half of which is privately owned. These are artificial plantings that have been grown over the past 200 years. 41% are coniferous forests, 17% - beech, 7% - oak.
In Denmark, a law has been passed according to which forest territories are inviolable. Also, since 1994, the state program for the cultivation of hardwood trees has been operating. By the end of the next century, it is planned to double the area of forests. The forestry complex employs 10% of the working population. This industry is developing most dynamically.
Furniture industry
Answering the question about which industry is the most developed in Denmark, it is worth noting the woodworking (or rather, furniture). It was formed in the XVII century. It is regulated and maintained by the Furniture Manufacturers Guild. Attention has always been paid not only to quality, but also to the design of furniture. She acquired a unique shape and shape, which has no analogues in the whole world.
The value of Danish furniture lies not only in a variety of styles, but also in a huge number of destinations. A third of manufacturers produce specialized products for the elderly, the disabled, and children. Biological-processed wood furniture is also available.
Furniture manufacturing is Denmark's eighth largest industry. It has about 500 companies, employing nearly 20,000 people. The main market for Danish furniture is Germany. Due to the fact that in recent years, supplies to the United States have significantly decreased, manufacturers are working to expand their markets. In particular, the Russian direction is considered promising.
Textile industry
Among the main industries of Denmark it is worth highlighting the textile. It was formed in the 1930s, when the government decided to support the domestic producer. In 1973, with the entry of Denmark into the common European market, a new impetus took place in the development of the industry.
Most textile enterprises are concentrated in the center and in the west of Jutland. Large knitwear companies are located in Rinkebing, and clothing stores in Herning and Ikayet. Interestingly, different companies are engaged in different production cycles. This leads to the fact that more and more companies are resorting to economic mergers.
At the moment, there are two main trends in the country's textile industry:
- the opening of production phases in the countries of the Far East (due to cheap labor);
- the predominance of the production of knitted fabric over the sewing of finished clothes.
Chemistry and oil refining
Which industry is leading in Denmark? A significant place is given to oil refining. The industry cannot boast of a variety of technologies and a wide range of products. Recently, production volumes in this industry have been declining, and part of the plants is being liquidated.
Industry manufacturers are part of the Danish Chemical Industry Association. It includes the manufacture of organic and inorganic chemicals, enzymes, agricultural fertilizers and so on. Flavors and colorants are also produced for the Danish food industry. Almost 50 thousand people are involved in the chemical industry.
It is worth noting that Denmark is sensitive to issues of environmental responsibility. A number of companies are developing mechanisms to reduce the negative impact of the chemical industry on the environment.
Medical industry
One of the main industries in Denmark is the production of medical equipment. More than 11,000 people are involved in this area, including those working in Danish enterprises outside the country. Electromedical and rehabilitation equipment, as well as disposable devices and surgical instruments, are produced. There are also companies specializing in x-ray equipment and dental devices. 90% of the products are exported.
As for the pharmaceutical industry, it is also characterized by high export potential. This industry is developing very rapidly. As a rule, Danish pharmaceutical companies cooperate with Japanese and American specialists to develop new medicines.
The largest pharmaceutical company Novo-Nordisk deserves special attention. It is a world leader in the production of insulin, enzymes and hormones. About a quarter of its profits the company spends on research and development of new drugs.
Electrical Engineering
In Denmark, industry and manufacturing in the field of radio communications are traditionally high. This is due to many years of experience in the field of radio communication systems for mariners. On this basis, wireless and satellite data transmission systems are actively developing.
Most companies in the field of electrical engineering and communications are small in size. This gives them the opportunity to quickly and flexibly respond to changing customer requirements. Denmark boasts a large number of highly qualified specialists.
Despite the high level of development of the electronics industry, it occupies a very small segment in the economy. A little over 2,000 people are employed in this area (according to official figures), which makes up less than 1% of the total working-age population.
Transport
In the economy and industry of Denmark a significant place is taken by transport. This industry accounts for about 90% of foreign exchange earnings in the state. Here are the main components:
- Sea transport. It provides 75% of foreign trade traffic (5% of the total global freight market). The bulk of shipping is in North America (about 50% of the turnover).
- Railway transport. It is in state ownership. The total length of railways exceeds 3,000 km. This type of transport is used annually by 150 million passengers and 9 million tons of cargo are transported.
- Automobile transport. It accounts for 75% of domestic freight and 90% of passenger traffic.
- Air Transport. The centerpiece is SAS, which is the joint brainchild of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Over 13 million passengers use the services annually. The fleet has more than 200 aircraft.
Export potential
In the development of industry, Denmark maintains ties with almost all countries of the world and supports liberal trade policy. About 50% of GDP is exported. Almost 70% of the total output is exported. The most popular abroad are Danish products:
- windmills and wind generators;
- mechanical engineering devices;
- medicines
- furniture;
- artificial Christmas trees;
- salt;
- meat;
- fish;
- milk products;
- foodstuffs.